In a renewed push for a truly democratic and people-centered Nigerian Constitution, The Patriots, a group of eminent statesmen led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, is scheduled to meet with the leadership of the National Assembly in April.
This upcoming meeting with both the Senate and the House of Representatives follows an earlier engagement with President Bola Tinubu on August 9, 2024, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the group made a strong case for constitutional reforms.
The Patriots, comprising distinguished Nigerians such as Ike Nwachukwu, Tanko Yakasai, Olusegun Osoba, Alani Akinrinade, Anya O. Anya, Idika Kalu, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Philip Asiodu, Pat Utomi, Solomon Asemota (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Obong Attah, Anthony Kila, and Labaran Maku, remain steadfast in their demand for the convocation of a Constituent Assembly. They argue that Nigerians must be given the opportunity to draft a Constitution that truly represents their collective aspirations and socio-political realities.
During the 20th memorial anniversary of their founding chairman, Chief FRA Williams,
held at the FRA Williams Chambers in Lagos, members of The Patriots reiterated their call for a new Constitution as the solution to the nation’s challenges, including economic hardship, corruption, and insecurity.
Speaking at the event, the group’s General Secretary, Mr. Olawale Okunniyi,
stressed the need for the National Assembly to amend Sections 8 and 9 of the 1999 Constitution to include a provision for a Referendum/Plebiscite, which would allow Nigerians to demand a constitutional change whenever necessary.
“On August 9, 2024, we met with President Bola Tinubu and emphasized the urgent need to replace the 1999 Constitution, which has hindered Nigeria’s progress. We are now set to take this conversation to the National Assembly,” Okunniyi stated.
He further argued that the 1999 Constitution was fundamentally flawed and skewed in favor of a privileged minority, leaving the majority of Nigerians without a legal framework that genuinely works in their interest. “Only about two percent of Nigerians benefit from this current Constitution. The foundation is weak, and it must be corrected with a people-oriented Constitution,” he added.
Okunniyi also revealed that The Patriots had finalized arrangements to meet with the leadership of the National Assembly in April. “We have reached out to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Whether the meeting is held jointly or separately, it will take place on the same day,” he said.
Following the meeting with lawmakers, The Patriots plan to launch zonal advocacy outreaches, engaging traditional rulers, labour leaders, and influential figures across the country to build national consensus for constitutional reform.
Okunniyi also lamented the failure of former President Goodluck Jonathan to forward the 2014 National Conference report to the National Assembly for legislative action. He emphasized that any new Constitution should take into account the recommendations of the 2014 Confab, as well as elements from the 1963, 1979, 1989, and 1993 Constitutions.
At the memorial event, key figures such as Prof. Anthony Kila, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Fafa Dan-Princewill, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ezenwa, and Kayode Williams, son of the late FRA Williams, all voiced their support for the movement.
Kayode Williams expressed confidence that The Patriots’ push for constitutional change would eventually materialize, stating his belief that President Bola Tinubu is committed to the principles of true federalism.
Folarin Williams, another representative of the FRA Williams family, added that a new Constitution is crucial for establishing a properly structured federal system that truly empowers the Nigerian people.
As The Patriots gear up for their engagement with the National Assembly, Nigerians eagerly anticipate the outcomes of these discussions, hoping for a legal framework that better reflects the aspirations of the people and fosters national unity, security, and prosperity.
